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Months of planning and hard work will soon result in a rewarding athletic experience for more than 1,500 athletes and coaches from across New York State return to the Greater Buffalo Area and the University at Buffalo for the 2012 Special Olympics New York Summer Games to be held June 14th through the 16th. These Games will provide athletes the opportunity to showcase the skills they have acquired through their months of
training under certified volunteer coaches.

Special Olympics New York provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in over 20 sports for persons with intellectual disabilities. Founded by Dorothy Buehring Phillips, a long-time Albany resident, Special Olympics New York is the 5th largest chapter in the world, serving more than 55,000 athletes from across the state. The Special Olympics philosophy is that with appropriate instruction people with intellectual
disabilities can learn the skills necessary to compete in both individual and team sports. Special Olympics rules follow that of the National Governing Body for each sport offered.

What makes Special Olympics unique is its divisioning process. Athletes are placed in divisions within each event, with other athletes of similar and ability level. Unlike “typical” sports competitions, Special Olympics awards are given to each division within each event. This provides the athletes with a close, fair, competitive experience while accommodating the wide range of ability levels within each sport. The emphasis is placed
on doing your personal best, following rules and demonstrating good sportsmanship. Many people feel that Special Olympics are sports in its purest form, where athletes compete for the love of the sport and the glory of personal achievement.

The combined efforts of the Local and State Organizing Committees, along with that of the Greater Buffalo Area will provide a world-class athletic environment for one of the most important competitive events of the year. Their commitment, along with that of community leaders, the private sector and the dedication of over one thousand local volunteers will not only be instrumental in the success of the Games, but will make a significant difference in the live of the athletes, their families and friends.

Special Olympics New York is now in the process of recruiting local volunteer EMT’s, Athletic Trainers and other allied Health Care Professionals, whether individually or as an agency, to provide on-site EMS coverage during competitive and social events. Each volunteer will be provided an official uniform shirt, free parking and personal credentials for use during the Games.

Enclosed you will find a tentative schedule of events for Summer Games. This schedule indicates our estimated staffing needs, and an Emergency Services Volunteer Application Form has also been enclosed. Please feel free to copy this information and share it with your friends, family members and members of your agency and/or department.

Completed Emergency Services Volunteer Application Form must be returned no later than June 5th by mail or e-mail directly to the Emergency Services Office, at the postal address or e-mail address provided on the top of the of the Emergency Services Volunteer Application Form. This will enable us to finalize our master staffing and confirm your assignment in writing beginning June 10th (by e-mail).

Volunteers are the driving force behind Special Olympics New York. Without people like you who give their time, Special Olympics athletes could not experience the joy and exhilaration that participation in competitive sports brings. Please consider volunteering as an Emergency Services Volunteer for the 2013 Summer Games.